Ever since I was in middle school, I’ve wanted to get to college. Something about having a roommate and tailgating at a big university was always enchanting. So, when the time came to apply to schools, I applied to Florida State University (FSU). February came and I actually got in. After long talks with my parents and especially with myself, I decided FSU was the right fit.
On TikTok and social media in general, I feel that college is poorly portrayed. All I saw was roommates turning into best friends and cute guys at frats becoming boyfriends. Needless to say, when move-in day came, I got struck with reality.
My first two weeks weren’t great after my parents left. I was crying like a baby and had to deal with the fact that the next day some stranger I had DM’ed a couple of times on Instagram was moving in. It was just a lot of big adjustments many of us had to go through in a short time span. Then, school started. I thought I would go to class and come home with a bunch of new numbers and Snaps in my phone, but I didn’t.
I thought friends were something I could make fairly easily at a campus as big as Florida State, but I was, and still am, struggling to find real friends. I know upperclassmen and older people always say give it time and not rush things. But it’s difficult not to feel behind when everyone is posting themselves at the club or even the library with a group of friends.
Coming into college, people said that everyone was in the same boat and desperate to make friends. I always feel like the new girl in high school coming in halfway through the year with everyone already having established friend groups. That has definitely taken some adjusting to. I’m used to being around my friends and being 100% me, but here I am back at square one.
With my struggles, I’ve also had some really good times. College is a place where you can reinvent yourself. If you didn’t have an established group of friends in high school, college is your time. I’ve loved the fact that I walk around and no one knows me. I don’t know them either, which means that I can be whoever I want to be. I also love spending time with my hallmates and the fact that they all have my same major has created a supportive environment. I’ve accomplished my dream of attending my first tailgate and flirting with frat boys. Plus, I have a hometown friend who lives five minutes away.
I guess I just felt that college, especially the first months, wasn’t talked about enough. If it was, it was unrealistic and doesn’t show what everyone experiences. So, I thought I’d share my journey. If I could give advice to freshmen going into college, it would be to be prepared. The first few weeks can be rough, but you’ll get through it. What has truly helped me through this transition is listening to music (here’s my playlist), walking, FaceTiming my hometown friends and obviously going to MMM at Clyde’s and Derdsday. Just know it’ll get better.
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